The Independent published this article:

Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One future is set to be put on hold as Mercedes attempt to resolve their miserable start to the new season.

Hamilton finished fifth at the opening round in Bahrain on Sunday - 51 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen - with team-mate George Russell seventh.

The seven-time world champion’s contract expires at the end of the season, and speculation is rife that he could stall on a new deal if Mercedes fail to reverse their slump.

Asked if the Silver Arrows will put a Plan B in place if Hamilton does not commit to an extension, team principal Toto Wolff said: “There is no point talking about the driver situation for 2024.

“That is far too early. We have to all push in the same direction, the drivers, engineers and management, rather the throwing in the towel. We have never done that and we will not do that now.”

Speaking in the build-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton, 38, said only a catastrophe would prevent him from extending his stay with Mercedes.

But his comments came before he hit the track and the extent of his team’s troubles were exposed.

Wolff announced on the eve of Sunday’s race that Mercedes will scrap this season’s machine, and focus on a revolutionary new design in a bid to return to winning ways - effectively ruling out a championship challenge before a wheel had turned in anger.

Not only have Mercedes slipped further behind Red Bull, who took first and second on Sunday, but they have been usurped by Aston Martin, too, with the British team taking impressive strides over the winter.

Wolff will hold crunch talks with his Mercedes staff this week to determine how the grid’s once dominant team can revive former glories.

Speaking immediately after the chequered flag, Hamilton said: “I know we are not where we want to be, but let’s keep pushing.

“We have got some serious work to do to close the gap but I believe in you all so let’s keep going.”

And Wolff added: “You heard Lewis on the radio. He is an integral part of the team, picking the team up, and we’re all sticking together.

“I don’t think that’s going to change just because we had another start that was really bad.

“We won eight constructor championships, and we won six driver championships with him, and that relationship holds.

“It would be much too easy to lose a driver, and then just throw in the white towel. We’re not doing that.

“On the contrary, we just need to really dig deeper than we’ve ever done before, and provide both drivers with a car that they’re actually able to fight with.”